Fudge Festival Returns to Mackinac Island

Just in case you need a reason to head up north one more time (or for the first time, ahem) this summer, Mackinac Island is sweetening the pot.

The Fudge Capital of the World offers an annual celebration for their signature sweet souvenir. The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, which runs August 21- 23, 2015, gives guests a reason to indulge in the making and consuming of the Island staple.

“Families and kids in particular love to see how Mackinac Island fudge is made and the Willy Wonka inspired games they can play during the weekend” according to Tim Hygh, Mackinac Island Tourism CEO.

“Mackinac Island and fudge – the place and the product have been inextricably linked for more than seventy-five years” said Phil Porter, Director of Mackinac Island State Historic Parks. “Along with riding bikes, taking a carriage tour and visiting the fort, buying a box of fudge has been a “must-do” Mackinac Island activity since the Roaring Twenties. The success of this sweet souvenir spawned a successful industry housed in more than a dozen quaint fudge shops in the island’s small village.”

The fudge festival features a number of fudge-related events and activities including Fudge Making Demonstrations, The Great Turtle Slow Ride, Fudge inspired dinners and cocktails, The Pioneer Sugar Relay Race, Mackinac Island Fudge Beer Tasting, and the “Golden Ticket” contest where six people win free overnight vacations to Mackinac Island.

SCHEDULED EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, and SATURDAY 22, 2014

Fudge and Beer Pairings
– A special fudge flavored beer and fudge pairing takes place at the Pink Pony from 3pm to 5pm.
-The Draught House, Mackinac’s newest tap room, is hosting Beer Tastings including Arbor Brewing’s Mackinac Island Fudge Stout. Stop by for daily specials and pairings from 2pm to 6pm

Saturday morning kicks off with a scene straight out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! Our own “loompas” deliver “Golden Tickets” to select fudge shops in Mackinac Island style, a carriage pulled by a magnificent Frisian Horse.

The fun continues from 1pm to 5pm as guests can purchase fudge at select shops for a chance to win the “Golden Ticket.” The “Golden Ticket” prize package includes overnight accommodations, ferry tickets and a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour for a family of four. Customers can identify participating shops that have a golden poster in their window. Each participating fudge shop sells special boxes of fudge for one hour, one box contains the coveted “Golden Ticket.”

In addition to the “Golden Ticket” Giveaway, these select stores will be demonstrate the Mackinac Island Fudge Making Process. Customers watch expert fudge makers turn cocoa and sugar into Mackinac magic. Be sure to stick around for free samples!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014…”Fun-Day, Fudge-Day on a Sunday”The Second Annual “Fun-Day Fudge-Day on a Sunday” is jammed pack with family fun!

Families are invited to start their day at 12:30pm at Windermere Point where the first 100 Children to arrive receive a free 1?2-pound box of fudge. Guests then participate in games and chances to win prizes! Activities include:

The Great Turtle Slow Race, bikers test their balance by trying to finish last in this slow race event. Bicycles are provided. The Pioneer Sugar Sack Relay Race. Bring a team of four and see how you fare running while carrying up to 50-pounds of sugar. (Different weights for different ages.)

A full schedule is found at MackinacIsland.org. For more information, photographs, and interviews contact Alison Abraham, Assistant Director, and Mackinac Island Tourism at Alison@MackinacIsland.org or call 906-847-3783